Rotational Mount With Auto-Return for Tethered Retail Displays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing display mounts for hand-held consumer devices in retail environments face mechanical and electrical issues when allowing rotation, such as stress on tethers with conductor wires and the need for constant realignment of devices for an attractive appearance, which are not efficiently addressed by current solutions.
Innovation Solution
A rotational mount with a pivotable mounting member that includes an off-set weight creating a gravitational bias to automatically return the device to its initial position, combined with an electrical swivel for power transmission and optional detent springs for holding specific positions, allowing free rotation and secure display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a typical tethered mount is turned or twisted in place to allow rotation, then the device can be rotated for display, but it creates undesirable stresses on the tether and conductor wires
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a swivel mechanism as an intermediary component between the tether and the rotating mount. This swivel allows the mount to rotate freely while the tether remains stationary, eliminating torsional stress on the conductor wires. The swivel acts as a mediator that decouples the rotational motion from the tether connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: a stationary base, a rotating mount, and a swivel mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently—the base provides stable support, the swivel handles rotation, and the tether provides power without experiencing mechanical stress.
2Ease of operation
If devices are displayed on a rotational mount allowing free rotation, then consumers can evaluate the display screen in different orientations, but the devices become haphazardly aligned and require constant manual realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic return mechanism using a spring-loaded detent system that automatically returns the mount to its initial aligned position after rotation. This self-service feature eliminates the need for manual realignment by sales personnel, as the mount autonomously resets itself when released by the consumer.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism creates periodic positioning during rotation, where the mount naturally settles into discrete angular positions determined by the detent geometry. This periodic action ensures that after consumer interaction, the device returns to a predetermined aligned position, maintaining aesthetic appearance without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mounting member is pivotable to allow rotation, then the device can be turned for display evaluation, but maintaining power supply and secure positioning during rotation becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel mechanism serves as an intermediary that maintains continuous electrical contact during rotation. It allows the mounting member to rotate freely while the electrical conductors remain stationary, with the swivel transferring power through rotational motion without twisting the tether wires.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables automatic return to an optimal display orientation after user interaction, maintains power supply during rotation, and ensures devices are neatly aligned without constant manual adjustment, addressing mechanical and aesthetic challenges in retail displays.
Implementation Method 1
a weight, carried by the mounting member, that is off-set relative to the pivoting axis. Off-setting the weight in this manner allows the weight to create a gravitational bias that normally swings the mounting member to the same initial display position
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is a rotational mount for use in displaying hand-held consumer electronics in a retail environment. The rotational mount allows the hand-held to freely pivot in rotation on the display. The mount may automatically return to an initial orientation.